Support Us Button Widget

Look inside the historic lager tunnels at Gravely Brewing Co.

Batman wished his cave was here.

The opening of two gray stone caverns in a grass covered hill.

The two tunnels open up to the first floor of the two-story deck patio overlooking LOU.

Photo by LOUtoday

Gravely Brewing Co. opened six years ago on the partial site of the historic Phoenix Brewing Co. — which in its heyday (1884-1916) was a nationally-known brewery and beer garden with an indoor velodrome.

While the former brewery is long gone, remnants of its history still lurk at this 21st century music-themed craft brewery on Baxter Avenue. Step onto the patio and you’ll peer into the mouths of two stone tunnels set into the hillside.

Opening of a stone tunnel in a grass hillside at Gravely Brewing.

The caverns are a reminder that Louisville was a major beer hub prior to bourbon.

Photo by LOUtoday

Now hollow and grass-covered, the caverns were once used to ferment lager beers by Phoenix Brewing Co. prior to refrigeration — since lager-style beers require low temps to brew + condition.

Gravely doesn’t use the tunnels to make its beers, but they still produce a variety of lagers. Try the La Bamba Mexican lager next time you visit. It’s “Corona’s cooler craft cousin.”

    More from LOUtoday
    The York Street branch finished just below libraries in New York, Boston, and the Library of Congress.
    That’s fall folks.
    Here’s need-to-know info on a “mother-in-law suite,” carriage house, or basement apartment on your property.
    The 11-acre Highlands property is destined to become a mixed-used development.
    The fifth annual event will run from Wednesday, Nov. 20 through Friday, Jan. 6.
    Historical markers are physical signs, plaques, and statues that commemorate a significant place or event. Where would you like to see a historical marker around Louisville?
    The 24-acre park has new features that can be enjoyed by people of all abilities.
    Louisville’s hardcore scene has a new reason to mosh.
    Get into feast mode at these three local Turkey Trots.
    Get those fascinators out of storage, LOU.